Stephen Rodgers Collier of Pensacola, FL, passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Stephen is the son of the late Edward A. "Buddy" Collier and Mary Louise Barter Collier and is preceded in death by his brothers, Edward "Eddie" Arlice Collier, Jr. and William David Collier and his stepmother, Jane Quint Collier and stepbrother, Michael Quint.

Stephen was born on December 31, 1962, in Mobile, AL. He grew up in Mobile where he attended St. Mary Catholic School and McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, graduating in 1981. At McGill-Toolen, Stephen was active in the Chorus while also participating in Junior Achievement and working at Delchamps grocery store. After graduating from high school, Stephen enlisted in the US Navy where he served for 23 years from 1981 until 2004, achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer. While in the Navy, Stephen had many duty stations, including service on the USS Canopus, the USS Jack Williams and the USS Thomas S. Gates, and had the opportunity to see much of the world, the only disadvantage being that it took him away from his young family. One of his most memorable postings was to Antarctica where he served a year at McMurdo Station, participated in the polar plunge and volunteered for the search and rescue team so that he would have the opportunity to leave the Station and see more of the area. After retirement from the Navy, most of Stephen's work life was with Austal USA in Mobile, AL, where he was able to use his familiarity with the Navy way of doing things to help with the construction of the newest Navy ships being built by Austal.

Stephen was very proud of his sons, Lee and Christian. He bragged on their accomplishments and a call or visit from either of them truly brightened his day. While dedicated to his work, Stephen also liked to have a good time. He loved cooking for family and friends and could more than ably man a grill, whether tailgating at University of South Alabama football games when his son, Lee, was playing in the band, or at a Mardi Gras parade. Stephen loved celebrating Mardi Gras and dressing up like a clown to ride in the Joe Cain Parade. He was a dedicated University of Alabama football fan and enjoyed entertaining on game day. He was a terrific dancer and had a beautiful voice that he was ready to share at karaoke. Stephen was a true and good friend to many and nothing made him happier than helping out a friend in need. Stephen had many special people in his life who lifted his spirits and provided help during his illness, including John Hessin, Philip Hernandez and Shannon O'Toole.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Ginger Wilkinson Collier; his sons, Stephen Lee Collier and Christian Wilkinson Collier; his sisters, Kathleen Anne Collier (Jack Selden), Jeanne Collier Turner (George, deceased), Laurie Collier Regan (Jim), Ellen Collier Maxime (David), Judy Collier Anderson (Mike); his stepsister, Nancy Quint Robinson (George), and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until a Memorial Service begins at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd., Pensacola, FL. Immediately following there will be a funeral cortege to depart Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel for a committal service at Barrancas National Cemetery with full military honors accorded by the US Navy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Navy Safe Harbor Foundation or the charity of your choice.